Best way to store a Rolex for several months?

[Notepad12]

Just bought my partner a wedding gift (Rolex datejust) so I have to store it until next April.

Is it okay for the movement to sit idle for such a long time? Or should I wind it, and if so, how often would you recommend? Cheers

[calh22a]

I remember reading somewhere that the watch should be wound once a month if not running for awhile.

[BillA]

I would think it could sit idle. The are sales on the forum for NOS, without any problems.

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Notepad12

Just bought my partner a wedding gift (Rolex datejust) so I have to store it until next April.

Is it okay for the movement to sit idle for such a long time? Or should I wind it, and if so, how often would you recommend? Cheers

I would put it in a safe place, and just wind it every couple of weeks. If you rather put it in a safety deposit box or somewhere you won't be able to access it, I think it would be just fine. Just please make sure to wind it up (at least 40 turns) the first time you get to it so it has a good "charge" and it will be ready to wear!

[Sublovin]

Is this a real question?
Put a battery tender on it, inflate the tires, stuff steel wool in the exhaust pipes to keep rodents away

[Dsmith1974]

Hack the movement at 12 o’clock TDC and then remove the bracelet.

Only kidding. It will be fine for years unwound.

[Notepad12]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Is this a real question?
Put a battery tender on it, inflate the tires, stuff steel wool in the exhaust pipes to keep rodents away

No - It's a fake question.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Notepad12

No - It's a fake question.

Good, Thanks for the laugh

[WatchNutcase]

I would recommend storing away securely inside a single WATCHPOD. Then placing it somewhere secure such as home safe, safety deposit box, or just hidden away somewhere at home. You can also get double and Triple WATCHPODS to store away multiple watches.

If you're near your stored watches I would also recommend winding them at least once a month, or wearing at least a day or 2 out of the month to keep the gears moving and avoiding any lockup.

I personally wouldn't use a winder because of the micro movement that can wear away the metal near the lugs and the bracelet.

[jsausley]

It's fine. Just stick it in the safe or safety deposit box.

[Nikrnic]

It will be fine just sitting but if you have access you might as well wind it up 40 turns once a month.

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[reddog4063]

the oils are synthetic, you will be fine for a while.

[OysterBracelet]

Make sure that it's not near any other watches when in storage as they could end up magnetizing each other.

[Kowaco]

Originally Posted by OysterBracelet

Make sure that it's not near any other watches when in storage as they could end up magnetizing each other.

Maybe they’ll mate and you’ll find a litter of Rolex’s in the spring



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[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by WatchNutcase

I personally wouldn't use a winder because of the micro movement that can wear away the metal near the lugs and the bracelet.

I think you are correct, in theory.... but I would hope that the wearing away is very minimal?

[GMT Aviator]

I stored a large proportion of my collection for almost two years once. I had concerns about them being left idle for that long if I’m honest.
What I did was bring them all back out of hibernation slowly on a watch winder. I did this more in an attempt to help even distribution of internal lubricants after they had sat in one position for so long. Whether it ever made any difference I will never know, but what I do know is that each watch had the same accuracy as they did prior to storage. This I was able to check on the timegrapher.
Some have gone back into storage as they are never worn, but periodically I do give each one a full wind and just let it run. They all seem good and no harm done.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by reddog4063

the oils are synthetic, you will be fine for a while.

This.

[2001jesper]

Wear it - Buy your partner a new one in April

[sillo]

Think about those weird references nobody wants that sit in the AD display for years. It'll be fine.

[RichM]

Mine are in my home safe. Since I have easy access to them, I do give them a full wind and rotate the hands once every couple of months. Not sure if I really have to. I’m sure most AD’s don’t.

More importantly, store it in a safe place.

[Tools]

It should be fine.

If you are concerned, just turn the box over and on it's sides every month or so and let gravity keep the oils centered.